Tag: smartphone charger

Categories
Chargers/Batteries

Better Re turns old smartphone batteries into a new smartphone charger

Due to the fast replacement cycle on smartphones, there are a growing number of perfectly good batteries either collecting dust in drawers all over the world or, even worse, being thrown in the trash.

patent-claimedBetter Re is a smartphone charger that provides a green solution to that problem because it operates using any old smartphone batteries. Users can boost the device’s charging capacity as needed –- when charging a large-capacity device like a tablet, for example — by adding expansion packs that are joined together via built-in, tiny magnets. An LED indicator shows if a battery is usable or not.

The charger uses materials -– 100 percent recyclable aluminum and walnut and maple hardwood — that its maker says will cause minimal harm to the environment. Better Re costs about $75 and ships in November. Its maker set a Kickstarter goal of raising $50,000 by June 9.

Better Re doesn’t seem to be able to adapt to newer and higher-capacity removable batteries  in phones such as the LG G4. It will likely appeal mostly to green-conscious consumers. Many others may write it off and opt instead for one of the many cheaper chargers on the market.

Categories
Tech Accessories

Sawtooth dock charger holds up to six devices in its jaws

Most smartphone or tablet docks tend to handle only one or two mobile devices at a time. That’s fine for a single person living alone, but not so handy for a home with multiple people who each own at least two devices that need to constantly remain charged.

The Sawtooth dock charger features six USB ports and a series of ridges that can accommodate the same number of mobile devices. Its design was inspired by the sawtooth roof architecture of the early 19th century. Each port can charge up to 2.4 amps of power independently. Additionally, each port is equipped with OptimalPeak technology that automatically detects and selects the optimal charging amps for each specific device.

One particularly standout feature is the product’s ability to be connected to other Sawtooth docks, thus enabling multiple docks with six devices each to work in unison with just one wall outlet. This feature should certainly come in handy for classrooms and businesses. Sawtooth will ship in April at $85 for Kickstarter backers, with retail pricing expected to be about 20 percent higher. Its maker is looking to raise $10,000 by April 12.

Sawtooth stands to be appealing to many consumers with multiple mobile devices in their homes, as well as in classrooms that use multiple devices. Its feature set clearly stands out among rival products like the Varius Dock.

Categories
Cell Phone Accessories Chargers/Batteries

Juicer uses one Android device to help juice another

Power-hungry smartphones often need to be charged frequently. Unfortunately, there isn’t always a charger around or a free electric outlet in sight.

The maker of the Juicer is out to remedy that. The Juicer is a dual-sided charging cable that enables Android phone users to transfer battery power from one Android device to another. The device costs only $10 and will ship in August. Its maker is hoping to raise $65,000 by April 10.

The Juicer holds some promise for Android users. While it isn’t the fastest-charging device around (it’s about as fast as a computer’s USB port) it’s still useful as sometimes all that’s needed is a quick 5 or 10 percent bump, just enough to make a call or send a few texts. Another plus is that the device is small enough to fit on a key ring or inside a purse. On the negative side, its lack of iPhone compatibility significantly limits the device’s addressable market.

 

Categories
Cell Phone Accessories Chargers/Batteries

Air Dock 2.0 wirelessly charges your phone while driving

Charging a cellphone while driving can be a chore when wires are involved.  Not to mention how unsafe it can be fiddling around with cords and outlets. The Air Dock 2.0 is a wireless car charger and dock for smartphones and tablets that features Qi inductive charging technology, so there is no need for fumbling around while placing a device on the dock.

The face of the Air Dock is made of nanosuction foam, so mounting a phone or tablet is as simple as placing it on the dock. Suction cups secure a mobile device to the dock without leaving any residue. Phones or cases with non-glossy surfaces may slip on the nanosuction foam, so the Air Dock comes with a magnetic sticker that guarantees reliable attachment to those non-glossy surfaces. Backers who provide $79 for the device’s Indiegogo campaign will get an Air Dock 2.0 with the mount of the buyer’s choice from a selection of four. The dock’s makers are looking to raise $85,000  as part of what is their second Air Dock campaign.

Many consumers will likely find the device handy. The CD mount option, which repurposes a car’s CD player, slipping into the CD slot and then expanding to hold itself firmly in place, is an especially interesting concept. But the device is rather costly for a charging dock, which could turn off some consumers. Although the device is compatible with many smartphones, some will require additional hardware or a case to be compatible with the dock.

Categories
Cell Phone Accessories

Pocket Dock-It creates a mini-dock to charge your phone in any outlet

Pocket Dock ItA cable-free option to charge phones helps to reduce clutter. While it doesn’t support wireless charging, the Pocket Dock-It would be the next best thing. Plug it into an electrical wall outlet, and it will charge a smartphone. One alternative Thinium, offers a bit more functionality since it will also charge a smartphone right from a laptop or other computer sourceWhile Pocket Dock-It is a little less expensive, it may also offer less convenience. But if a charging device that functions through an electrical outlet is all that’s needed, backers can get theirs for $30 with an expected delivery of January of 2015.